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A's add Wells to outfield mix

3/4/13: Casper Wells triples on a fly ball to center field to score three runs, giving the Mariners a 7-3 lead in the fourth inning

By Jane Lee
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MLB.com |

BOSTON -- The A's added to their collection of outfielders on Monday, acquiring Casper Wells from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.

Wells joined the A's in Boston on Tuesday, when the club optioned outfielder Michael Taylor to Triple-A Sacramento to make room for Wells on the 25-man roster. To clear a spot for Wells on the 40-man roster, the A's transferred infielder Scott Sizemore to the 60-day disabled list.

The 28-year-old Wells hasn't seen big league action since Spring Training, during which he hit .189 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 16 games with Seattle before the Mariners designated him for assignment on March 31. He was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays 10 days later but did not appear in a game before again being designated on April 15.

The A's are getting a right-handed hitter with an above-average arm who can roam all three outfield positions. Manager Bob Melvin said that Wells' role will be discussed further upon his arrival, though it's likely he'll get his playing time strictly vs. lefties.

"He's a hard-nosed guy," said catcher John Jaso, who played with Wells in Seattle last year. "I watched him make a lot of good catches out in the outfield, those full sprints into the walls and snagging those balls you don't think will get caught. I think he's a great addition to the team. When his bat's going good, he can provide you a lot of pop."

Wells hit .228 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs in 93 games for the Mariners last year, leading the team with eight outfield assists and never committing an error in 159 chances.

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.